Banff, AB

The Town of Banff, Alberta is a leader in Canada on how to reduce waste.

Signage provided by the Town of Banff

Local regulations to reduce single-use items were developed by the municipality working closely with local businesses. Both groups recognized that the natural beauty and environment is the reason for the millions of visitors each year that support the town’s economy.

Banff’s single-use strategy includes a range of actions, and goes further than many municipalities by requiring that, since January 2024, local events and restaurants use only reusable foodware for all on-site food and drinks.

Banff’s by-law includes a few actions to reduce single-use:

Ban on single-use plastic bags, & mandatory fee on reusable and paper bags
Only provide Accessories-on-request - including online, delivery and drive-through orders
BYO - Restaurants must accept customer cups and containers (BYO)
Restaurants must provide reusable cups and foodware for dine-in orders & all new restaurants must have on-site dining space and dishwashing facilities

In addition, the Town initiated Banff Borrows - returnable, reusable takeout cups and containers by Muuse that local restaurants and cafes can use to avoid single-use takeout items.

The by-law was phased in, with outreach and support from municipal staff to help businesses understand and adopt new practices. A staff report in summer 2024 found that the majority of businesses were in compliance with the regulation.